Manager - Grants and Foundation Relations presso Culinary Institute of America

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $63,000 to $68,000. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process. 

The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!

As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Manager of Grants and Foundation Relations plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Culinary Institute of America by securing philanthropic support from foundations and government partners. This position leads the creation and execution of a strategic development plan designed to cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational funding opportunities that directly support CIA students, faculty, and programs.

The Manager builds lasting partnerships, nurtures existing relationships, forges new connections within the foundation community to align CIA’s priorities with funder interests. By researching opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and ensuring thoughtful communication and stewardship, this role helps translate the CIA’s vision into meaningful investments.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Serve as the primary liaison with foundation staff and executives to cultivate, strengthen, and steward relationships.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with foundation funders and other stakeholders.
• Advise CIA Advancement colleagues and institutional stakeholders on the identification, solicitation, and stewardship of foundation prospects.
• Align CIA’s priorities, strengths, and initiatives with the interests and funding strategies of prospective foundation donors.
• Research, develop, and package compelling proposals supported by data and institutional priorities.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities from government and non-government agencies.
• Contribute to grant writing, reporting, and stewardship communications as needed.
• Oversee all aspects of grant management, including compiling records, preparing reports, and managing a calendar of reporting deadlines.
• Ensure timely submission of progress and impact reports requested by foundation partners.
• Support the development of departmental policies, procedures, and systems to strengthen grant and foundation relations.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the CIA’s history, mission, programs, and financial needs to represent the institution effectively.
• Collaborate with academic leadership and business units across the CIA ecosystem on funding priorities and educational initiatives.
• Assist in cross-departmental projects that enhance Advancement and institutional goals.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive work experience in fundraising, communications, or a related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Advanced skills or training in fundraising, communications, journalism, writing, business, finance, or related fields.
• Experience in nonprofit, higher education, or foodservice/hospitality industries.
• Familiarity with Advancement and sales database systems.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proven experience in proposal and grant writing across varied funding opportunities.
• Strong knowledge of research methods, practices, and procedures for identifying foundation and grant-making opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to set goals, prioritize tasks, and consistently achieve results with a high level of self-motivation and discipline.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and networking abilities, with the capacity to build and sustain productive relationships across diverse constituencies.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with adaptability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Track record of effective customer service and partnership across teams, with the ability to determine when to escalate issues or resolve them independently.
• Proficiency with database systems and advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Teams.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Regular work involves extensive computer use, often exceeding eight (8) hours per day.
• Occasional business travel as needed.